Deposit protection for Scotland landlords
If you take a tenancy deposit you must protect it in a government-approved scheme and give the tenant the prescribed information within the statutory deadline. The deadlines differ across the UK.
Within 30 working days of the tenancy start
All four UK nations
Legal requirement
Why it matters
If a deposit is not protected in time, or the prescribed information is not served, the tenant can claim compensation of one to three times the deposit. In England, you also cannot obtain a possession order until it is resolved.
How to stay compliant
Track deposit protection the easy way
MTD Landlord Services keeps your Scotland certificates and tenant checks in one place, with automatic email reminders before anything expires, so nothing slips through. It is built for Scotland landlords alongside your Making Tax Digital records.
Get StartedFrequently asked questions
How long do I have to protect a deposit?
It depends on your nation: 30 days in England and Wales, 30 working days in Scotland, and 28 days (with 35 days to serve the prescribed information) in Northern Ireland.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
The tenant can claim one to three times the deposit, and in England you cannot obtain a possession order until it is resolved.
Legal basis: Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011 reg 3
This is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Rules change and can vary by case, so always confirm current requirements with official guidance for your nation.